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Resident urges transparency on possible data center project on Highway 53; court outlines meeting-posting steps
Summary
A long-time Henry County resident urged transparency and full public notice about a potential data center development on Highway 53; court members said they intend to publish meeting agendas and minutes and explore streaming smaller planning meetings where possible.
A Henry County resident raised concerns at the public-comment period about an invitation to data-center developers and urged the Fiscal Court and planning officials to be transparent about any potential project on Highway 53.
The resident, identified in the meeting as Julie, said she has lived in Henry County for 50 years and described the possibility of a data center as a change she feared might alter the community. Julie asked the court to post meeting notices, agendas and minutes so residents who cannot attend could review planning and zoning deliberations; she also recommended the court be open about any incentives or promises offered to developers.
Court members responded that they do not have anything to hide and said staff are working to improve meeting audio and public posting. Court staff said agendas and approved minutes for meetings reported at the fiscal court meeting would be posted; they noted some smaller boards may lack the equipment to livestream but the court will consider options, including using the meeting-room "Owl" camera for planning and zoning where possible.
During public comment, another resident asked whether ambulance staff assigned to Emmett's unit had living quarters, showers or sleeping facilities; court members replied the ambulance does not have living quarters or sleeping facilities on site and acknowledged that shift arrangements present challenges. No formal actions on planning or zoning were taken at this meeting; the court encouraged residents to participate in upcoming meetings and public hearings.
